LINE DANCE & THE TEXAS TWO STEP……

…..were the dances of choice for ‘DANCE DOWNTOWN’ at the Music Center Friday evening.  Saw lots of cowboy boots as a lot of people seemed to have gotten the memo.

Tomiko & I were on our way to Kendall’s Brasserie…. and once there the menu had to be studied (although I think we have it memorized).

The Chilled Tomato & Cucumber soup with Avocado, Mango & Tiger Shrimp is a must have always……

…..it’s so good but the Sea Bass was incredible!

I get so sated & bleary eyed that I always forget to photograph the desert.  A Baked Apple Tart with Vanilla Gelato & Caramel Sauce was hard to share. You’ll just have to imagine….

Then it was on to the Ahmanson for ‘The Scottsboro Boys’.  This ‘minstrel show’ with music & lyrics by the brilliant (Chicago, New York, New York, Cabaret) John Kander & Fred Ebb, was based on the tragic but true life story of nine young black men wrongfully accused & sentenced to life imprisonment in Alabama.  They were pardoned 80 years later but I suppose that was of little good to them.  As bright as the music was I found it to be too sad.

O.K., back to work.  At this point in cataloging my work, Nikka is completely surrounded as she makes entries in the lap top.  We’ve got a great numbering system going but I suspect it will be tweaked as time goes on.

….more…..

….and more….

….puppy’s wondering what on earth we could be doing for so long…

It was definitely time for a ‘Habit’ break!

I like to kid myself that a ‘lettuce wrap’ is fewer calories and therefore it’s O.K. to pig out on their delicious fries!!!

Sweet potatoes are good for you….right????

Tonight it’s Kentucky Fried for Father’s Day….oh boy, I’m in trouble now!

Mom loves their chocolate cake!

I need a nap!

NIKKA & I SPENT the BETTER PART OF THE DAY……

……curating and cataloging my artwork. ……..the job will probably take a couple of weeks…..or longer…. everything is being assigned a number along with it’s listed title.

We had several Nespresso coffee breaks…..

….It helped a lot…….

But, when Sandie phoned I was ready to go play.

I met Sandie at Americana in front of the theatre……she looked so cute sitting on the curb & I snapped this as she was getting up….look close & you’ll see her….

  We started at Anthropologie……

Is this not the cutest ever!!!!! Sandie just fits right in because besides her cuteness, her sweater is from Anthropologie.

Sandie Girl thanks so much for giving me the O.K. on that cute jacket….I love it! And I sure loved getting the ‘birthday’ discount!!!

After some more trolling about it was definitely time for a relaxing dinner at Katsuya. The Miso Cod is sensational.

Please, just give me some raw fish!!!

The Crispy Rice is a crowd favorite!

Why have I never noticed these painted ceilings before….most interesting! (Raw fish does that to me.)

Hot dog, hot Sake!!!!

They’ve torn up the grass again….

Would it be possible….can I not go to Barnes & Noble????

As long as we’re talking cuteness, here’s Kita early A.M. waiting for Nikka and Vicki. She loves to rest her head on the ledge and…..wait!

Mary Beth came to take our little girl for her training in the park and commented that she’s too attached to her.  We were too polite to remark that Kita is too attached to EVERYONE and would go home with anyone!  Want a dog??

Bye, bye…..

To be continued………….

AND THE BEAT GOES ON……

……with Lynne, Kc and Violet, co-conspirators in planning a surprise birthday celebration for me.

The mystery began when Lynne picked me up ….. I had no clue where we were going.  Lynne knows all the special routes and I was delighted to drive thru Stadium Way off the 5 to downtown L.A. because I had never see that beautiful, scenic route before.  (Must be in a cave.)

Anyway, we park in a lot 1/2 block from Pershing Square and I’m told '”We’re going to THAT building.” (You’ve got to be kidding thought I).

Across the street we go and enter through these amazing doors.

I’m right behind you Lynne………..

But first, in passing I noticed the plaque outside ..….

Hi Lynne…..

You change elevators twice to get to ‘PERCH’  the most wonderful roof deck where Kc and Violet were awaiting out arrival.

So cute….

Now the next few photos are for my foodie friends…..

Here’s the Brie en Croute…puff pastry wrapped brie, gala apple, fennel, pecan slaw, wholegrain aioli

Truffle French Fries with some heavenly cheese..

Ladies please, one at a time….

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta with shallots, garlic, balsamic vinegar on herb crostini

Now if I hadn’t taken a bite out of my Mini Hot Dog…linguica sausage, honey mustard & caramelized onions, you could see it in all it’s yummyness.

What do you suppose these two are talking about?

I bet it’s Kc’s pedicure….

Since I seem to photograph EVERYTHING, don’t you think my birthday card is appropriate!!!

Kc & I had more fun ‘snapping’ each other….

The big decision now is where to hang the terrarium….it’s just delightful!

And what’s a birthday without cake and a candle….or should I say the most delicious Bread Pudding…..

Lynne, Kc and Violet with oh so happy me!!!

Have to show you Luke, our wonderful server!

Kc is looking for ‘Pershing, the Chinese Eel’ …. the building’s mascot.

Thank you dear friends for a most memorable day!

Oh, on our return, Lynne had the usual greenie for Kita….